By Trisha Murray, Director Canine and Resource Planning

The canine unit is thrilled to count 23 commercial/cargo K9 handlers and 4 Aviation K9 handlers as Transport Canada certified. Our trainers, led by Russ Fox, have been busy for the past several months tweaking and fine tuning our training regime to ensure success at the government test site, and the hard work is paying off!

Our trainers also just completed another training course in Ottawa preparing six new K9 handlers for the field. Within this group, 2 handlers are entering the Toronto mix and 4 are off to Montreal and Quebec City. Our next course starts in October where we will be training another six handlers for Toronto and Moncton, NB. Congratulations to our newest grads!

“After a busy and hot summer, our pups are ready for some crisp Fall air! We hope everyone has a terrific Autumn and spooky fun filled Halloween!”


By Dean Lovric, President and CEO

Thank you!  The preceding two words can never capture my true gratitude for the men and women at ASP Security Services and their journey over this past unimaginable year.

The strength of character so many of you showed in remaining on the front lines and continuing to provide the critical service our clients depend on, has been monumental. I have been touched by your wherewithal and mostly by the trust you showed towards your colleagues and your leadership teams.  Throughout this difficult time, a special bond has been created amongst us. That bond of camaraderie and devotion has resulted in highlighting all your dedication to ASP and to each other. This is one of the many reasons I am so very proud of all our committed professionals. So again, and I emphasize…

ASP has a rich tradition of support and flexibility towards its workforce and a deep dedication to our clients. For the past 20years, I have been constantly impressed with the impact our employees have on each other and our clients. Collectively, during 2020, I believe our entire team at ASP reached a miraculous accomplishment. Through your hard work and dedication, our business demonstrated its core values of integrity, honesty, transparency, accountability and support of diversity all through our response to the trials and tribulations of COVID and the effect it has had on our clients and company. We are one of the few organizations fortunate enough to experience this positive dynamic during these difficult times. For this, I am grateful.

In a strange way, I found that the COVID pandemic had a serendipitous effect on all of us during this muted 20th anniversary of A.S.P. Inc. It proved to us that we are doing the right things and behaving in a way that demonstrated the true character of this business, which incorporated in 2000. We may not have had an elaborate celebration to commemorate our 20th this year, but we did receive this special and intangible gift of proof of character we can all take pride in equally.

So, as we bring 2020 to a close, we can confidently say that the end to COVID is in sight. Airports, airlines and sports facilities will once again become busy and we will most certainly continue to provide exceptional service to these and all our clients.

For all our employees with whom we have not had the opportunity to celebrate our milestone with, I will commit a ‘ASP DAY’ at Canada’s Wonderland in late 2021, which will include a private dinner, full day at the park and a exclusive use of the rides to ASP employees and family once the park closes. This day will commemorate our 20th and celebrate those who are most important to the success of the business………you, our front-line workers.


Having a commercial security service means keeping your property safer and keeping your customers safer. There are certain tactics that are specifically used

What if your most valuable investment was at risk every night?

Wondering how such a service can meet your needs? Here are a few of the key tactics they will use to keep your property safe!

Controlled Access

Your business properties may be in danger of theft, property damage, and other calamities. And the only way to be sure your property is safe is to use a commercial security service.

Wondering what commercial security can do for your property? To start with, they will limit access to only authorized individuals.

This may include things like password-based electronic systems or fancier solutions such as biometrics. The end result is that no unauthorized personnel will be able to gain access to your property.

Even if you already have access control, a commercial security team may be able to identify its weak points and recommend a more robust solution. After all, relying on outdated access control means you are inviting thieves inside your property.

Improved Lighting

Speaking of thieves, they usually like to keep things simple. That means sticking to the shadows, which is why most corporate robberies happen during the evening.

One of the simpler security tactics the team may use is to improve lighting inside and outside the building. The ultimate goal is simple: you want to make it hard for anyone to skulk around in the darkness and plan their next move.

And as simple as it sounds, keep in mind that good lighting serves as a major deterrent to would-be thieves. If they have an option between your well-lit property and another, they are more likely to go after the other guy!

Better Signage

Along with better lighting, a good security service can help you to improve your signage. This can reduce theft and even lead to a workspace that is much safer.

For example, signs may warn people about your surveillance measures and other active security measures. By making everyone aware of how seriously you take security, you minimize the chances of anyone trying something.

Signage can also clearly indicate which areas are off-limits to non-employees. This may keep people from getting lost or even getting hurt in a way that might open you up to legal action.

At the Gates

Earlier, we talked about the benefits of access control. One of the best ways to enhance that control is to add security gates to a property.

The idea is to have gates (ideally multiple gates) manned by security personnel. And anyone who wants access to your buildings must pass through inspection first.

This alone is a very powerful deterrent, which is why it is used on military bases around the world. And it also means that you will have trained personnel inspecting every vehicle and person coming through, increasing the odds that anything dangerous will be discovered and confiscated.

Hide the Valuables

Pop quiz: what are the most valuable things in your office?

Many of us take the security of our workspace for granted. And that means we end up leaving valuable items out where anyone could easily take them.

A good commercial security team can help to identify valuable property and information and store it in a safe and accessible way. They specialize in “defensive thinking”: make it hard for someone to get in and even harder for them to find something.

Unless you have security training, then your properties are going to be vulnerable. But you can hire experts who can make everything much safer.

Mobile Surveillance

Surveillance has come a long way in the last couple of decades. Once, you would have to review grainy VHS tapes in the morning to see if there was an incident. Now, you can view an active feed on your smartphone with just the press of a button.

Unfortunately, there are many different mobile surveillance options available. These range from ultra-secure to devices you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.

A commercial security service can help you obtain the best surveillance technology and applications. Furthermore, they can link everything up to your phone so that you have security control no matter where you go!

Card Access

Earlier, we talked about the importance of access control. In addition to things like biometrics, the security team can help to install specialized card readers in the most sensitive areas of your building.

This helps create a kind of security redundancy: a thief who can make it past one layer of security may be tripped up when they encounter the next layer.

And card readers are good because you can severely limit who gets access cards. If anything is stolen from those areas, you have an immediate short list of potential thieves!

Motion Sensors

As you may or may not know, most modern security systems link together. So, on top of the other measures, a security service can link everything to motion sensors.

Exterior lighting, for instance, may blaze on when the system detects motions. This gives the impression that someone is actively monitoring the area, creating a further deterrent.

Furthermore, you can receive smartphone alerts when motion is detected in certain areas. This lets you take a more active role in the security and defense of your property.

Improved Data Security

So far, we have focused primarily on physical security. This includes building access, valuable property, and so on.

However, the most valuable thing inside most businesses is the data you have collected and compiled. And if you’re not careful, this is also the most vulnerable part of the office.

Modern commercial security teams are skilled in all aspects of data security. They can help to reinforce your existing measures while also installing better safeguards where needed.

The final result is a property that is safe, both inside and out!

Commercial Security Service: The Bottom Line

Now you know what a commercial security service can do for you. But do you know who you can turn to for the best service?

At ASP Security Services, we protect residential and commercial properties of any size. To see how we can make your investments safer, reach out and contact us today!


By David Ramlagan, Training Coordinator, Aviation Security

For Access Control and Escort/Surveillance Guards who are interested in applying to different security roles within Toronto Pearson, below is a brief summary of the contracted security services that ASP provides. Please check our website https://www.security-asp.com/ in the current or internal opportunities sections.

Catering Security:

Gate Gourmet is the facility that prepares the in-flight meals for passengers on various airlines. The Gatehouse Guard at this site is responsible for ensuring authorized vehicles enter the compound. The Patroller looks out for signs of theft and suspicious activity. The front-desk receptionist assists our client with administrative tasks and ensures that authorized individuals enter the food processing area.

Airline Security:

Airlines such as Emirates and British Airways use ASP’s services during the time between an aircraft’s arrival and departure. Guards are positioned on the boarding bridge to verify individuals going into the aircraft such as catering, cleaning and airline personnel. They may also be positioned on the airside for aircraft surveillance, or in the bag room to ensure luggage is not tampered with.

Door Patrol:

These employees are mainly responsible for ensuring the PSL doors are locked and secure by conducting regular patrols in specific areas. When a door alarm is activated, Door Patrollers must respond, investigate, and secure the door.

Vehicle Patrol:

Responsible for parking lot patrols by observing for signs of theft, vandalism or any suspicious activity. They ensure that the integrity of the PSL barriers around the airside is maintained by checking for any openings or debris along the fences. They also provide transportation assistance for GTAA personnel to deliver various supplies.

Supervision:

Our supervisor team is vital to carrying out the delivery of security services to our clients, by ensuring that the security personnel are aware of the on-site procedures and are complying with company and legislative policies. They provide direct support to the security guards, assist with scheduling and coordinate with GTAA clients to accomplish various tasks.

Specialists:

This security group is recognizable within the terminal by their grey shirts and tactical vests. Their main responsibility is to identify and determine the root cause of anyone displaying suspicious behaviour and respond accordingly. They also monitor restricted areas to identify employees who are not in their designated workspace.

Canine Explosive Detection (K9):

The members of this security team are accompanied with trained dogs that are able to detect various forms of explosive material. They are called on to respond to unattended items and to conduct sweeps of high-risk airport areas.


It is with great pleasure and delight that we announce that ASP has been awarded the Business Excellence Award in the large company category from The Burlington Chamber of Commerce.

ASP Team Photo - Wins Business Excellence Burlington Chamber of Commerce
ASP Dean Lovric Photo - Wins Business Excellence Burlington Chamber of Commerce

ASP was one of four final nominees for this prestigious award and at the Gala event on April 4, 2019, it was announced that ASP had won the award in our category.  The 2019 Business Awards Gala event celebrates the significant accomplishments of the brightest and best that the Burlington business community has to offer. 

We are proud to share this news with all our employees who have worked very hard to maintain the quality standards of ASP and to always ensure we deliver a premium service to our clients and customers.  It is because of the combined efforts of each one of our employees that we have managed to achieve this success.

This was an extremely proud moment for ASP and we wish to congratulate and thank the entire organization for making this possible.




By Paul Parkinson, Director of Finance

Payroll Processing Charges

Here at head office, the accounting team has been hard at work in transitioning our accounting and payroll system to Sage 300.  We’re very excited about this change.  With an integrated system connecting both the scheduling and accounting system, we will see fewer errors and increased efficiencies.  This means that there will be a new format for the paystub.  Prior to the conversion, we will be providing a sample paystub to help you understand how to read the new paystub.

To help reduce the number of payroll discrepancies, we encourage you to review your online portal frequently and quickly bring any discrepancies to your supervisor.  Resolving discrepancies after the payroll process is extremely time-consuming.

OHIP +

The recent changes in the provincial government provide drug coverage for persons under 25 years of age. Please request the generic drug from your pharmacist; otherwise, you may still be responsible for a charge that isn’t covered.


By Garinder Grewal and Noman Butt

On Saturday, September 23, 2017, Toronto Pearson facilitated the 10th annual Runway Run, where runway 06R-24L was open to roughly 2300 community members for a 5 km run and a 2 km walk.

 The event featured giveaways from generous corporate sponsors, exhibits of emergency vehicles and aircraft, music and family activities. Proceeds support local charities that uplift people and communities. 

Prior to the event, on September 21 and 22, ASP and Airfield Access donated three DA drivers with vehicles and one escort for eight hours for vendors and GTAA set-up. 

On event day, 12 employees with vehicles were placed around the runway to extend the Primary Security Line (PSL) from 0430-1400. Three guards were posted from 0430-1400 at Airside PSL gate to allow access for the volunteers, participants and the vendors. One supervisor was scheduled from 0430-1430 to supervise the guards and to channel  correspondence between the GTAA and our employees. 

ASP managers Garinder Grewal and Noman Butt were also present from 0430-1400 to oversee the operation and to ensure GTAA was satisfied with ASP’s services. 

Thanks to our supervisor and employees involved in this event. Our goal to have a safe, secure and enjoyable community event was accomplished!